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I know the meaning of one size fits all, but this is the first time I've come across the expression one size bigger. By using Google I know that you could say one size smaller.

But I don't know exactly the function of one in "one size". For example, can I say:"Do you have these shoes two/three size bigger?"

I think I don't have to make size plural if two/three is added, don't I?

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    The answer can be found in special usage of certain adjectives. He is 12 years old. We are two players short. These pants are two sizes too big.
    – JayHook
    Commented Dec 29, 2013 at 17:16

1 Answer 1

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The "one" in "one size bigger" refers to the number of sizes bigger, in this case one. If you're holding a pair of size 11 shoes and you ask for the shoes "one size bigger", I would bring you a pair of size 12 shoes (11 + 1 = 12).

You can certainly say "two/three sizes bigger", in which cases "sizes" should be plural, since you're counting the number of sizes.

Since we're talking shoes, you can also say, "half a size bigger".

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    Also, let's not forget about how the Grinch's heart grew three sizes that day.
    – J.R.
    Commented Dec 29, 2013 at 21:22
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    "And what happened then? Well, in Whoville they say that the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes that day." Thanks @J.R. for the memory retention technique.
    – learner
    Commented Dec 30, 2013 at 0:33

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